Make space for the makers: Room at Cleveland Public Library built for creative types

This is the new MakerSpace at the Cleveland Public Library. It features all sorts of equipment and software that library patrons can use to create trinkets, products and works of art.

Artists, engineers, hackers and hobbyists have a new reason to get a library card.
The Cleveland Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 11, was scheduled to open MakerSpace, a room loaded with equipment that creative library patrons can use to bring their ideas to life.
Some of those ideas could become something physical, such as a prototype for a new product, a sign for a business or something you could sell at a craft show. But MakerSpace — located in the brightly colored TechCentral portion of the library's downtown branch — also has equipment for producing music, video and photographs.
The space, which cost $50,000 to set up, is designed to help people unleash their creativity, according to TechCentral manager C.J. Lynce.
“It's really a place for people to learn, experiment, collaborate and use equipment that they may not necessarily be able to afford or have access to,” Mr. Lynce said.
Among other tools, the space includes a 3-D printer, a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, musical instruments and video equipment, including a green screen. Plus, MakerSpace computers are outfitted with software programs that patrons can use to design or edit their creations.
Several items created by staff members were on display last week, including a plastic business card made in the 3-D printer, decorative boxes made with the laser cutter and decals printed with the vinyl cutter. Many of them included the TechCentral logo.
“I have a decal on the back of my car. One of a kind,” Mr. Lynce said with a laugh.
The space is the next step in the Cleveland Public Library's effort to embrace what often is called the “maker” movement, Mr. Lynce said.
The library started targeting tinkerers, tech geeks and do-it-yourselfers back in June 2012. That's when it consolidated many of its computers and technology training programs into the TechCentral department and started offering laptop computers, tablets and e-readers that patrons could use at the library.
A few months later, it added the first of two 3-D printers, which were operated by library staff members. Then, in January 2013, the library started offering “maker labs” — classes where people could learn to do all kinds of things, such as run a 3-D printer, create kaleidoscope art or compose digital rock music.
Those maker labs have been growing in popularity, especially since the library started offering the classes at its branches, Mr. Lynce said.
MakerSpace gives patrons access to a wider lineup of tools to pursue their own ideas on their own time. But they will have help: The library offers tutorials for each tool, and staff members will be available to offer assistance.
Mr. Lynce said the library hopes to attract experienced makers and “people who just want to come in and learn.”
The library is encouraging visitors with more experience to help others, said Sam Tripodis, coordinator for TechCentral.
“It's not just a place to be creative and innovative. It's also a place to be collaborative,” Mr. Tripodis said.
The space is open to anyone in Ohio who has a photo ID and is willing to become a library patron.
“The big thing is, they need to have a library card,” he said.